DAVID AUNA (DAVU)

  • DAVID AUNA (DAVU)
© Gabrielle Rumble
Singer, Song writer/composer, Performer
Principal country concerned : Column : Music
Solomon Islands
Contact by email

David Auna started his musical journey at an early age in church but only seriously embarked music as a career in 2005.

For David, or Davu as he is referred to in the local music scene, music is not just about writing songs and making tunes but "a voice to express opinions". Writing songs for Davu is an expression of situations in life: personal struggles, family, friends are just few angles of what motivates him to put together songs that are meaningful and has weight. For one who rarely speaks loud in a crowd, Davu is only able to translate feelings into words when he is working on a song. He however finds "writing for female a challenge, possibly could go back to my upbringing and background". Davu's approach in song writing is in general context and "it's up to the listener to interpret its meaning to suit their situation".

Despite some music training in Malaysia and Australia, most of what Davu gives to the public is what he perceives as "all natural". Putting aside the competitive nature in the music industry, Davu uses a combination of reggae in his music even though he has R'n'B qualities and voice that steers clear from the genre.

His music elevated to higher grounds when he competed and won his first public competition, the 2008 Solo Icon. In 2011, Davu's talent was again recognized in the highly competitive Voice Off Music Awards which he grabbed first runner-up position. Over the past 12 years of performing and being part of the music industry, his sole inspiration is older brother, Jonathan Auna - "my brother and mentor who is always there for me".

Always being able to put across a real good song with a voice likened to that of well-known international artist, R Kelly, the young man from Langalanga, Malaita Province is not just limited to singing and song writing, but also plays the drums, bass, keyboard and guitar - "one man band" - and choreographs dances for his clips.

Davu appreciates music not just as a passion but "my safe haven that has brought me through challenging, hurtful and tough times when there's no way out. I come out of my pits through music. I feel rest, a sense of freedom".

Not one to deter in hardship, Davu's vision is fixed on going international, "…travel the world with my music".

Partners

  • Arterial network
  • Media, Sports and Entertainment Group (MSE)
  • Gens de la Caraïbe
  • Groupe 30 Afrique
  • Alliance Française VANUATU
  • PACIFIC ARTS ALLIANCE
  • FURTHER ARTS
  • Zimbabwe : Culture Fund Of Zimbabwe Trust
  • RDC : Groupe TACCEMS
  • Rwanda : Positive Production
  • Togo : Kadam Kadam
  • Niger : ONG Culture Art Humanité
  • Collectif 2004 Images
  • Africultures Burkina-Faso
  • Bénincultures / Editions Plurielles
  • Africiné
  • Afrilivres

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